KLANG: As the maiden consignment of fresh durian took off for China, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is optimistic about raising the nation’s revenue through the export of agricultural produce.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) said it is crucial to increase agricultural export as it is still far below the sector’s import figures.

The export of fresh durian to China has been identified as one of the conduits to rake in revenue for the nation, he added.

He said the export will also complement the frozen durian and durian by-products that are already being sent there from Malaysia.

“The maiden consignment of fresh durian to China today is part of Malaysia’s efforts to turn the king of fruits into a national export commodity.

“And I will be in China to receive the durian,” said Mohamad at the Road to Maha@Kota Raja 2024 here yesterday.

Maha is the acronym for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism exhibition.

Mohamad said he hopes that the export of fresh durian to China will boost the earnings of both big and small-scale durian producers as well as raise the nation’s income by way of taxes.

“States that produce durian will jointly work with Fama (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority) and our international unit to find ways to simplify the export of the fruit,’’ he added.

Another fruit that the ministry is aiming to turn into the nation’s top agricultural exports is pineapple, said Mohamad, adding that the country’s cultivation of the fruit has yet to meet international demand.“Internationally, the demand for pineapples is over 4,000 containers per annum but we are only able to provide 800 containers or a mere one-fifth of the amount. 

“As such, the number of farms to cultivate the fruit has been increased,” he said.

Mohamad also said that Sarawak is going into it on a large scale, with about 20,000ha set aside for pineapple cultivation.

“I visited Miri and saw that the pineapples there were beautiful and of high quality.”

The minister also said there is an urgency to step up the nation’s rice yield as local production covers only about 62% of the required domestic supply.

Ideally, the nation should be able to produce at least 80% of the rice needed for domestic consumption, he noted.

“We have discussed the matter and among the solutions is to open up new padi fields.

“Sabah and Sarawak took up the challenge and Sarawak will have 20,000ha of new padi fields.

“The Sarawak Premier (Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), who is giving very strong support, has said in 10 years, the state could export rice.”

He also noted that small-scale padi fields have been opened in Johor and Negri Sembilan.

He urged padi farmers to emulate their counterparts in Sekinchan, Selangor, who are even planting during the night with the use of automated machinery.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/25/bid-to-boost-govt-income-with-more-agro-exports